Saquon Barkley Debunks All AJ Brown to Patriots Rumors Following the WR’s Infamous Wink

Saquon Barkley confirmed that his teammate, AJ Brown is a massive Patriots fan, but he will still likely play for the Eagles in 2026.

Saquon Barkley Debunks All AJ Brown to Patriots Rumors Following the WR’s Infamous Wink

#26 Saquon Barkley and #11 AJ Brown (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Saquon Barkley confirmed AJ Brown's long-standing fandom for the New England Patriots.
  • Barkley dismissed trade rumors, stating he believes Brown will remain with the Eagles.
  • Brown's contract extension with the Eagles runs through the 2026 season, solidifying his position in Philadelphia.

Saquon Barkley weighed in on the possibility of the Eagles trading teammate AJ Brown to the Patriots before the 2026 NFL season. Chatting with the crew of ESPN’s ‘NFL Live,’ the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year confirmed that Browns is a massive fan of the New England franchise.

The Patriots were in the hunt to make Brown their WR1 last year until the Eagles blocked the move. New England signed Stefon Diggs and reached the Super Bowl. That said, Diggs’s extracurricular activities away from the gridiron have thrown a question mark on his future in Boston. For that reason, Brown is back in the Patriots’ frame once again.

Barkley reacted to the rumors on ESPN:

I do not want to speak for AJ Brown. I love him as a teammate and a brother, but he is a huge Patriots fan. He’s one of those guys. Growing up.

Saquon Barkley puts AJ Brown to the Patriots links to rest

Barkley drew parallels between his childhood and Brown’s. The All-Pro rusher supported the New York Jets and claimed that his dad even got a tattoo when he was young. However, he distanced himself from the Jets once their city rivals, the Giants, drafted him.

Saquon Barkley Debunks All AJ Brown to Patriots Rumors Following the WR's Infamous Wink
Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (Image via IMAGO)

I was able to kind of move on now when I got to the NFL. He’s always been a big Patriots fan. I think this year, before Dallas, Tom Brady, he was throwing him the ball. So, for him, he was like a kid in the candy store.

Brown’s infatuation with Tom Brady is well documented. Last year, the seven-time Super Bowl champion sent him a signed Patriots TB12 jersey, which the 29-year-old proudly shared with the world.

Patriots Ring of Honor inductee, WR Julian Edelman hosted Brown during a recent episode of his Games with Names Podcast, where letf a subtle hint about his guest’s future. “Just remember, we’re all Patriots… You know that, right? We’re all Patriots here,” Edelman stated, to which Brown replied with a nod and quick wink.

Barkley doesn’t think too much about Brown appearing on a show full of ex-Patriots. He added:

That wink is just all fun and games but I will tell. I will give the inside scoop. AJ Brown is a big Patriots fan.

When asked if the Eagles fans should be worried about Brown leaving in the summer, Barkley said, “No, I don’t think so.”

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is a big believer in Brown and the leadership qualities that he brings to the locker room. He blocked Brown’s move to New England last year, and it appears that the All-Pro wideout is likely to stay put in Philly for the upcoming campaign.

Brown signed a three-year, $96 million contract extension, which will end after the 2026 season. Since penning the deal, Brown managed 1079 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024 and 1003 yards and 7 TDs in 2025.

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